New CGHS Rate: What Kind Of Consultation Are Covered Under Rs 350, Rs 700 OPD Services? All You Need To Know

New CGHS Rate List: Amid confusion regarding the outpatient department (OPD) consultation fees under the new Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) rate list, the Ministry of Health and Welfare has issued a clarification regarding the same.

OPD consultation charges at Rs 700 shall be admissible for consultations rendered by super specialists in all CGHS-empanelled hospitals, and a maximum of two consultations are allowed for in-patient (IPD) cases, as per an order issued by the Ministry of Health Welfare (CGHS Department).

For OPD consultations, the amounts are linked to specific types of doctors and treatments in CGHS-empanelled hospitals, after several beneficiaries sought clear guidance.

Confusion Over OPD Consultation In New CGHS Rate List

The government notes that many CGHS users were unsure about which consultations could be billed at Rs 350 or Rs 700. Beneficiaries had asked when these rates would be valid, especially for complex treatments. The clarification states that the two slabs are linked to the qualifications and the speciality of the consulting doctor.

"i. OPD consultation charges @ Rs. 700/- shall be admissible for consultations rendered by Super Specialists (DM/MCh) in all CGHS-empanelled hospitals. These rates shall be applicable only where the consultation is provided by a Super Specialist possessing a recognized DM/MCh qualification and offering consultation in the concerned super-specialty discipline," read the order dated 13 January, 2026.

OPD Consultation Slabs

According to the clarification, the Rs 350 and Rs 700 OPD consultation charges are allowed only when the consultation is given by a super-specialist with a recognised DM or MCh degree. The consultation must be in that super-speciality, and it must take place in a CGHS-empanelled hospital. Other consultations do not qualify for the Rs 700 rate.

OPD Rates Under New CGHS Rate List

The CGHS rate list issued in October 2025 sets a Rs 350 consultation charge for OPD visits. The same Rs 350 fee also applies when a doctor reviews an admitted patient. However, the higher Rs 700 charge is restricted. It is only for eligible super-speciality OPD consultations, as described by the Ministry.

For in-patient department (IPD) cases, the Ministry has repeated that the number of consultations is capped. Under CGHS rules, a specialist can claim at most two consultations per day for a single admitted patient. This limit remains unchanged, and empanelled hospitals are expected to follow it strictly.

What is CGHS?

CGHS is described as a model health care system for central government employees and pensioners. The network serves a high number of users across India through its wellness centres and empanelled hospitals. The scheme is estimated to cover more than 1 crore employees and pensioners, along with their eligible family members.

Pensioners who want a CGHS card need to approach the office of the Additional Director of the city where the pensioner lives. The application form is available on the CGHS website, which beneficiaries can download. Serving employees must submit the prescribed form with photographs of eligible family members to their Ministry, Department or Office.